“Little Nightmares” – A Halloween Recommendation
By Yunkai Xu
Games Editor
As the Halloween season arrives, everyone becomes excited to play horror games. But this time, no more generic horror games with overused plots and idiotic characters! This time, I introduce you to the phenomenal horror game trilogy Little Nightmares, whose third game is anticipated to be released at the start of 2025. Little Nightmares I and II are single-player games developed by Tarsier Studios, and Little Nightmares III introduces a multiplayer experience currently being developed by Supermassive Games.
With its unique graphical design, visual rendering, and symbolic elements in its plot line, the Little Nightmares series differentiates itself from generic horror games through its in-depth introspection into human society.
The game centres on childlike characters who navigate a seemingly post-apocalyptic world while hiding from adults who become monstrous creatures. It can be described as one gigantic “hide and seek” game. Thus, the main characters become disproportionately small and aim to escape from this world by combating and solving puzzles. This game requires a mix of both skills and brain.
Themes
However, in this dystopian setting, Little Nightmares reflect not only children’s loss of innocence in human society but also reveal society’s tragic flaws. Each chapter of the game introduces a unique setting representing societal issues such as education, mental health, bullying, and the excessive use of television. Through the characters’ encounters with the “monsters,” the game slowly reveals how these elements affect children in society.
Game play Experience
In terms of gameplay experience, it is one-directional, which means this game lacks exploration opportunities. However, where this game lacks in action, it makes up for its amazing graphics and plotline that make you addicted once you start. The best aspect of its gameplay experience is the effect of pounding heartbeats when the character approaches a monster, creating a truly immersive experience, especially on a controller that reproduces the heartbeat through vibration.
Although it is a “horror” game, people have described it as more unsettling than graphically scary. Therefore, if you are someone who cannot deal with too much screaming and gore, this game is perfect for you.
New Games
Tarsier Studio, the original production company of Little Nightmares, is currently developing a new horror game called Reanimal. This game has a similar style, aesthetic, and gameplay to Little Nightmares, in which the monsters appear almost Cthulhu-like.
Additionally, since Little Nightmares III experiences a change in production company, changes in the general art design are expected. However, the game maintains its focus on introspecting into society’s tragic flaws.